I just decided that I wanted to be in NYC for new years this year. I am in Hartford, CT so I figured I would be able to take the train in. A quick Orbitz search led to the following hotel as a possibility. Having been to NYC only once before, I need some help with the location/neighborhood / transportation accessibility. I don't mind walking a little, but I've just started looking and don't know enough yet. I'd appreciate any help or advice with this hotel or any other suggestions. Thanks.

The Alex
205 East, 45th Street, New York, NY 10017
1.8 Miles Southeast of New York (Midtown)

East 45th is right dead smack in the middle of Midtown. Public transportation is abundant.

205 E. 45th Street is at Third Avenue. It is a very short walk from Grand Central Station. If you take Amtrak from Hartford, you'll be in Penn Station. From there, you can take the subway 1 stop to Times Square, then the Shuttle over to Grand Central, and walk from there. The whole trip will be fairly quick and easy. Once there, you'll have easy access to the subways at Grand Central, and buses across town on 42nd Street. If it's nice, you can also walk straight across to Times Square if you want to go there, an easy walk (15-20 minutes).

Thank you so much for your help! I'm booking the room right now.

Next I have to get there. I haven't really used the public transportation in the New England area much so I'm looking forward to this...

Where did you get the hotel is "1.8 Miles Southeast of New York (Midtown)".. The hotel is just a little over 1/2 a mile east of Times Square, the heart of midtown. It is a less than 15 minute walk.

Got that information from the Orbitz website. Not being familiar with the city, I couldn't tell from the address where it was.

They measure those distances from what they consider to be the "city center", which they probably estimate somewhere around 60th Street for some reason.

1.8 miles from 45th St would be around 80th Street, not 60th. Orbitz may consider 80th St. the city center but no NYorker would call 80th St midtown.

Obviously not, but I think they described the hotel as being in midtown, which is accurate, and that it was 1.8 miles from "New YOrk" which they mean to be the city center, which they apparently calculate to be around 80th street as you said. I guess geographically, that could be the midpoint of Manhattan.

Thank you for all the help! Is anyone familiar w/ this hotel?

I am not personally familiar with the hotel but reviews on tripadvisor.com are mixed. From the Hartford area, we find it easier and cheaper to park at the station in New Haven and take the train from there. Enjoy the city!

We were booked into this hotel in October. No one contacted us to let us know it was still a construction site. I'd become suspicious because my phone calls to the hotel were unanswered. I changed plans but went to see the hotel when we arrived. A lengthy conversation with the construction manager led me to believe there had been many many problems. I would never go back to a hotel that had treated it's "first" clients so poorly.

Just wanted to post a follow-up. Got a great deal on Orbitz for this hotel on new year's eve. I absolutely loved it! The service was excellent and front desk staff were very helpful. We were able to check in earlier than expected. The restaurant is still not up and running yet, and the "view" we had was of the alley at the back of the hotel, the shower's water pressure left some to be desired, and the elevators are REALLY slow. Also noted that the check-in line was fairly long later in the afternoon. But again, I really enjoyed my time here and I'd definately stay here again. It's less than a 10-minute walk from grand central station. Thanks everyone for your help/advice!

Thanks for following up! Can you elaborate on your experience - i.e. what was your room like and what amenities were offered? Glad you had a good time in NYC.